Game-counter



(No Model.)

4 R. G. ZIERFUSS.-

GAME COUNTER.

No. 576.017." Patented Jan. 26, 1897.

M55555 LBJ/EJ71 471 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

RICHARD G. ZIERFUSS, OF MILIVAUKEE, IVISOONSIN.

GAME-COUNTER.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 576,017, dated January 26, 1897'.

Application filed April 6,1896. Serial No. 586,328. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, RICHARD G. ZIERFUSS, a citizen of the United States, residing at Milwaukee, in the county of Milwaukee and State of Wisconsin, have invented new and useful Improvements in Score-Registers, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to improvements in score-registers designed principally for keeping a record or count of the scores made in games of cards and similar amusements.

Theobject of my invention is to provide a simple scoring device which maybe used in duplicate and by means of \vhicha record may be kept of the games as well as the score.

In the following description reference is had to the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a top viewof myinvention. Fig. 2 is an end view of the same with a portion of the end flange removed. Fig. 3 is a top view of a modified form of construction.

Like parts are identified by the same reference-letters in the several views.

A supporting-base A, preferably raised at its longitudinal center and inclined therefrom toward each edge, is provided with end flanges B, the latter having vertically-elongated open bearings O, in which the supporting-rods D of the counters are supported. One of these rods is located near each edge of the baseplate and provided with springs E, connecting it therewith and adapted to hold the rod elastically at the bottom of its bearings. Each rod is provided with a series of indicating plates or counters F, pivotally supported upon the rod with their respective bearings separated by thimbles or collars G. Each of the counters is provided with an indicating-um m eral on its upper and lower surface, and the numerals of the respective series of counters are arranged in a graduated series from left to right. The rear end of each counter proj ects at H, and the extreme front end is formed intoaloop I, which enables it to be easily engaged by the finger.

In use the counters are arranged with the looped ends I pointing inwardly upon the baseplate, and as each score is made the counters representing the same are reversed upon their supporting-rod by lifting the looped ends. As

each counter is reversed the projection II strikes the base-plate and causes the rod D to be lifted in its bearings, the resiliency of the springs E causing the counter to snap suddenly into position with a warning click, thus preventing errors. There being a series of counters on each side itis obvious that the same device may be used simultaneously by two opposing players.

For keeping a record of the games played I have provided the base-plate A with longitudinal slots J and sliding indicators K, located therein. One side of the slot is spaced off at equal intervals and provided with inclicating letters or characters, so that the position of the indicator with reference to the characters will denote the number of games.

In Fig. 3 I have shown a modification of the above described construction, whereby the score of the opponents is kept distinct and separate. In this form of construction I have dispensed with the reversible counters and si'lpporting-bar on one side of the device and have provided sliding slotted indicatingplates N, held in place by lugs O, projecting into the respective slots, and by an overlap ping cover I, which wholly incloses the plates Nwhen in their normal position, with the exception of the finger-flange Q, by means of which the plate is drawn outwardly to indicate the desired score.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

A score-register, consisting in the combination of a base-plate provided with raised slotted flanges, rods supported therein, springs for elastically connecting said rods with the base-plate, and a series of indicating-plates or counters pivotally attached to said rods and provided with rearward projections adapted to raise said rods by contact with the baseplate, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature in the presence of two witnesses.

RICHARD G. ZIER'FUSS.

"Witnesses:

LEVERETT 0. WHEELER, JOHN N. MoELM. 

